Checking The Basics; Backing Up Files; Basic Checks - Dell PowerEdge 4200 Installation And Troubleshooting Manual

Chapter 2

Checking the Basics

I
f a Dell PowerEdge 4200 computer system is not work-
ing as expected, start your troubleshooting with the
procedures in this chapter. This chapter guides you
through some initial checks and procedures that can solve
basic computer problems. It can also direct you to the
appropriate chapter in this guide for detailed trouble-
shooting information and procedures to solve more
complex problems.
NOTE: When you see the question, "Is the problem
resolved?" in a troubleshooting procedure, perform the
operation that caused the problem.
B
acking Up Files
If the system is behaving erratically, back up the files
immediately. See the documentation that came with the
operating system for instructions on how to back up the
files.
B
asic Checks
The following procedure leads you through the checks
necessary to solve some basic computer problems:
1. Was an alert message issued by the Dell Hard-
ware Instrumentation Package (HIP) server
management program?
The Dell HIP server management application pro-
gram generates warning and failure messages for
drive, temperature, fan, and power conditions. These
messages appear in the simple network management
protocol (SNMP) trap log file. To see the trap log,
select any enterprise under the SNMP trap log icon.
(More information about the Alert Log window and
options is provided in the Dell HIP online help.)
Yes. Go to "Alert Log Messages From the Dell HIP
Program" in Chapter 3.
No. Go to step 2.
2. Is the computer wet or damaged?
Yes. Go to Chapter 7, "Checking Inside the
Computer."
No. Go to step 3.
3. Perform the steps in "Checking Connections and
Switches" found next in this chapter.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The power to the computer system was faulty, or
the connections to the computer system were loose.
You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 4.
4. Follow the procedures described in "Look and
Listen" found later in this chapter.
Did the computer system complete the boot routine?
Yes. Go to step 5.
No. A serious malfunction may have occurred. Go to
Chapter 11, "Getting Help."
5. Did you receive a system message or beep code?
Yes. Go to Chapter 3, "Messages and Codes."
No. Go to step 6.
Checking the Basics 2-1